Kalka-Shimla Mountain Railway Resumes Services

Travellers planning for a summer vacation in Shimla or its surroundings will be happy to note that the Northern Railways (division of Indian Railways) has restarted operations on the heritage Kalka-Shimla mountain railway.

Ambala Division,Northern Railway has reintroduced Hop-on,Hop-off service for tourists visiting over World famous Kalka-Shimla heritage Railway Section so that they could see all places of tourist’s interest on the purchase of single ticket.@RailwayNorthern @RailMinIndia @GM_NRly pic.twitter.com/jLiuZOBg2R

— DRM UMB NR (@drmumb) June 22, 2021

According to the railways, four trains, including the Shivalik Deluxe Express and the Kalka-Shimla Express, resumed operations from June 21.

The train services were suspended in April this year with a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to local media reports, though the Vistadome coach did not find any takers, 250 passengers availed the trains from Kalka to Shimla on Monday.

One of the greatest attraction on the picturesque Kalka-Shimla Heritage Rail Section, the Barog Railway Station has recently been renovated and made even more attractive !

Visit here to witness the beauty of the value additions done !! pic.twitter.com/gcqGqV5cUa

— Northern Railway (@RailwayNorthern) June 20, 2021

Read: This Mountain Railway Crosses 950 Ornate Bridges

The 96-km long, single track Kalka-Shimla railway built in the mid-19th century is one of the three Mountain Railways of India listed as UNESCO World Heritage.

Travel operators expect the restarting of the trains and the relaxation of COVID-19 related regulations in the state will boost tourism in Himachal Pradesh. Travellers arriving in Himachal Pradesh are not required to submit the RT-PCR test report now. Shops may remain open between 9am and 5pm on weekdays. Himachal Pradesh Road Transport Corporation has also restarted operations on many routes.